Garibaldi Provincial Park reservations now required for backcountry campers

Answering the call of the wild just got more complicated in the backcountry of one of B.C.'s most popular provincial parks.

Starting today anyone wanting to camp overnight in Garibaldi Park is going to need to book online first.

While online reservations have become common for vehicle-access campsites in provincial parks, most backcountry campsites in B.C. parks have remained offline

But the popularity of Garibaldi, which is located about 60 kilometres north of Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway near Squamish, has forced B.C. Parks to add it to the the existing reservation and permit system.

Under the new system campers will either need a backcountry permit or campsite reservation, depending on where they intend to pitch their tent. 

• During the peak season from June 29 to Sept 30 reservations are required for Garibaldi Lake, Taylor Meadows, and Elfin Lakes campgrounds.
• During the peak season all other camping areas require a backcountry camping permit and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reservations are required for bunks in the Elfin Shelter year round.
• During the non-peak season backcountry permits are required everywhere else in the park.
• There is no option to pay with cash — pre-pay online or call 1-800-689-9025 with a credit card.
• All reservations and backcountry camping permits must be purchased in advance before 1 p.m. the day of arrival.

Garibaldi joins Bowron Lakes and Berg Lake Provincial Parks requiring backcountry permits. The West Coast Trail also requires reservations, but it is run by Parks Canada, not B.C. Parks.